Component placement device

Abstract

A component placement device for picking up a component and placing a component on a substrate device comprises a holder which is movable at least in a main direction, as well as a nozzle for picking up a component. The nozzle is movable at least in a direction opposite the main direction relative to the holder. The component placement device comprises a fluid flow channel which opens or closes upon movement of the nozzle in the direction opposite the main direction relative to the holder, detection means for detecting the opening or closing of the fluid flow channel as well as means for controlling the movement of the holder in at least the main direction on the basis of a signal delivered by the detection means concerning the opening or closing of the fluid flow channel.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A component placement device for placing a component on a substrate, the component placement device comprising:
 a holder movable in a main direction; and 
 a nozzle for picking up a component, the nozzle being movable relative to the holder in a direction opposite the main direction, 
 the nozzle being provided with a passage connected to a vacuum source and to an opening of a component pickup part, 
 the nozzle being provided with an opening in a wall of the nozzle located between the vacuum source and the opening, the opening being in communication with the passage, 
 the holder being provided with a channel in communication with the opening and the passage via a closable connection, 
 wherein a fluid flow channel including at least part of the passage, the opening, and the channel is configured to be opened or closed by the nozzle at the closable connection upon movement of the nozzle relative to the holder in the direction opposite to the main direction. 
 
     
     
       2. The component placement device of  claim 1  further comprising a detector for detecting the opening or closing of the fluid flow channel. 
     
     
       3. The component placement device of  claim 2  further comprising a control circuit for controlling the movement of the holder in the main direction on the basis of a signal delivered by the detector concerning the opening or closing of the fluid flow channel. 
     
     
       4. The component placement device of  claim 1  wherein the fluid flow channel will open upon movement of the nozzle in the direction opposite the main direction relative to the holder. 
     
     
       5. The component placement device of  claim 1  wherein the passage extends through the component pickup part. 
     
     
       6. The component placement device of  claim 5  wherein a fluid flow resistance of the passage in the component pickup part is greater than a joint fluid flow resistance of the opening in the wall of the nozzle and the channel in the holder. 
     
     
       7. The component placement device of  claim 1  wherein the nozzle is movable against a spring force in the direction opposite the main direction. 
     
     
       8. The component placement device of  claim 1  wherein the nozzle is connected to the holder by means of two leaf springs.